Calling Towson Commons the geographical center of downtown Towson, Baltimore County leaders said a new LA Fitness project is just what's needed to pump some life into the area.

"We're going to have a 52,000-square-foot fitness center in Towson Commons. It's going to give the exterior of the building a real facelift and continue the progress we see in downtown Towson," Baltimore County Councilman David Marks said.

"I think it's a great idea, something going in there. It's been vacant for the last year or two, so this should be a good thing," said James Kahn.

LA Fitness did not return WBAL-TV 11's calls for comment, but Marks said the fitness center is expected to install a lap pool, basketball and racquet ball courts, a spin area, space for group exercise and much more.

Marks said he doesn't expect the fitness center to create a parking nightmare for the area, and it should not be an issue for those coming to the gym.

"A lot of people who come to the fitness center will be those who work nearby -- they come before work, at lunch or after work -- and we think parking is not going to be an issue as it was for the movie theaters," Marks said.

Towson Commons had no comment on the project, for which construction is already under way. The fitness center is expected to open at the end of the year.

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